Train buffs can celebrate New Year’s Eve aboard My Old Kentucky Dinner Train in Bardstown, Ky., the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The train pulls out of the historic Bardstown station at 6 p.m. and returns about 8:30 p.m., leaving passengers plenty of time before the stroke of midnight to get back to a Louisville-area hotel and perhaps New Year’s cocktails at one of the many stops on the city’s Urban Bourbon Trail.

During the 37-mile round trip between Bardstown and Limestone Springs, which has its own lovely historic station, train passengers will be treated to a gourmet four-course dinner prepared by chef Gil Logan, champagne and souvenir champagne flutes. Diners can choose from a variety of entrees, including chicken, pesto and prime rib.

Prices for the excursion and dinner begin at $200 per couple. For information or reservations, call 1-866-801-3463 or visit www.kydinnertrain. com.

Finally, for the ultimate in round-trip travel — albeit over a very short distance — visit the New Year’s Eve Toast to the Town celebration at the Merry-Go-Round Museum in Sandusky.

Visitors can enjoy all of the museum’s colorful displays and exhibits such as the carousel-animal restoration shop, as well as appetizers from local restaurants, wine, beer and soft drinks, music, and, of course, rides on the museum’s historic 1939 Allan Herschell Carousel. A silent auction will offer goodies such as a spa package, carousel horse and museum party package.

The celebration takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. And afterward, revelers who are in the mood to see a giant fish fall from the sky can make the short drive to downtown Port Clinton for the annual New Year’s Eve Walleye Drop at midnight.

Tickets to the Merry-Go-Round Museum party cost $15. The museum is also open today from noon to 5 p.m. For information, call 419-626-6111 or visit www. merrygoroundmuseum. org.

Steve Stephens is the travel writer. He can be reached at 614-461-5201 or by email.

sstephens@dispatch.com

@SteveStephens

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